Candid Keepers #419

Introducing: Kristin Lupien

LaGrange, GA

Most Valued Forms of Character:

Honesty and Integrity

Q: Please tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from and where are you now?

A: I am a girl on the go! I live in a not too small, but kinda “small town” I do love living close enough to Atlanta to visit when I want! I have found a great balance for life in this place…..I have lived in LaGrange, GA most of my life- on and off, moving here as a child, away for college and first job, and then back again. Now as an adult it’s a pretty different perspective than I remember as a child- My parents moved us here as kids away from St. Simons Island, I have no idea why! Each time I visit my grandmother over there I wonder why on Earth we moved!? BUT I do have to admit LaGrange is a beautiful little city with a quaint downtown, private 4 yr college, beautiful neighborhoods, and has a love for the performing arts…and is wonderful for raising a family- not in the hustle and bustle of big city life but with just enough favorite shops, things to do, and places to eat that it is very enjoyable and laid back. Plus I love my close circle of friends and how our community is like a large family!

Q: How did you meet and fall in love with your husband?

A: First let me say this: He is the sweetest most caring thoughtful kind hardworking man anyone will ever know- he truly should win an award! I cannot count how many people told me and still tell me this as if I don’t know! I seriously hit the jackpot finding him! We met here in LaGrange almost 4 years ago at a charity ball event. We were both dressed our best and he was so super cute with his curly dark hair in his black suit. I was like, who is that!? He ended up being the next door neighbor of one of my best friends! She should have told me before, right!? We talked that night- shared some amazing things we had in common (both of our “roots” are in the New England area- and ending up in LaGrange, GA that is almost unheard of!) We have both had “previous lives”, mine had ended in divorce 3 years earlier and he had been down a road of heartache- losing his first wife to a battle with Cystic Fibrosis. So…Fate, God, Destiny, something… brought us to meet each other at just the precise timing which was crucial for both of us … to be ready for a lasting relationship- we were married 8 months later on Sea Island and the rest is history-well history in the making!

Q: What about those gorgeous babies??? Tell us all about them.

A: Oh my precious babies! They are boy, girl, boy- 8,2, and 10months. They are my life! Bryce is my oldest from my previous marriage. He is an absolute doll! Beautiful and sweet! Everyone tells me he should model …he would be good at it too I’m sure… He is gentle, kind, and smart! Easy-going but picky at the same time- like his mama! And he’s my snuggler! I had Charlotte the year after John and I married…we waited the long nine months so she would become a surprise “baby girl”, actually she is Daddy’s girl! To the point she won’t even let me get her out of her car seat when we are all together in the car. She loves that man as much as I do, can’t blame her! She is funny, happy, and a cute, busy lil’mama- John says she is like me in this way. She loves to push her baby down the sidewalk and can run a mile without stopping I swear! John is a runner so maybe he has a created himself a mini me. And finally…. there is our “Baby Ben” Benjamin… ohh he has just gotten to be a much, much better baby in the past month or so. He seriously could have made the top 10 worst babies list as a newborn. Thought he was going to put me over the edge! But now you would never know it, he has changed so much! He has a head full of dark hair and looks just like John! He has just starting to gurgle baby sounds and Charlotte is gaining a friend who is fast approaching her size- I’m (thankfully) now able to purchase one size diaper for them both!

Q: What did you do in your previous life? Pre-Matilda Jane?

A: I spent way way less time on the computer! Ha. No, seriously though, I was an elementary school (2nd and 3rd) teacher for 10 years. I took a year off when Bryce was a toddler, then just decided I’d take time off again for a while when Charlotte was born- 2 years ago. I love teaching and will go back one day but family is what is important right now. Yes the extra income would be nice, but I’d spend a ton of it on clothes anyhow obviously…..and right now I have the hook up with Matilda Jane so who needs anything more?!

Q: How did Matilda Jane find YOU?

A: Let’s see… well after I came across Matilda Jane on eBay I decided to host a show- almost everyone in my town was new to Matilda Jane as well…. But I think MJ found ME in Seaside, FL eating at The Great Southern Café- when Mande England-another TK- introduced herself to me (our girls were in matching dresses!) and that’s how I got here today- filling this out!

Q: Who on this earth has been the number one influence in your life?

A: My mother! Love, love, love, love, love her! She’s a gift. We’d be here forever if you get me started on that amazing woman. Let’s just say she is my best friend and I mean that.

Q: What are 5 words your friends would use to describe you?

A: Neat, Fun-loving, Caring, Resourceful, Organized, Picky-in a good way, and Friendly. Oh.. that was 7 not 5. Well, I guess I should go ahead and add Smart too then, and I’m not being sarcastic!

Q: Besides your family, what are you most passionate about?

A: I am most passionate about keeping a clean house. And putting Downey in the dryer. Hahahaha. (Really I do LOVE a clean house!) But passionate, hummm., besides family?…. I guess just living life to the fullest, making each day count, even the bad ones, because life is all we have- it forms our memories and that’s what we will take with us to the end. Make every day count- and when you can… TRAVEL it is one of my favorite things to do!

Q: Chocolate or Vanilla?

A: Chocolate, no brainer

Q: Are you a dreamer or a realist?

A: A little of both… but I’d say dreamer! My husband would definitely say I’m a dreamer. I’m always looking for the next life decision to make- even if it is just something like making space in the backyard for a vegetable garden (that I know good and well I don’t have the time now to tend to, but it would be nice…. One day…)

Q: Crazy or not, what is one dream that you would most like to make come true?

A: EASY win the HGTV dream home next February!

Q: If you were gifted $1 million to donate to any charity or organization, which one would you choose? Why?

A: St. Jude’s cancer research- breaks my heart every time I see a commercial or hear of a child with cancer, unbearable for a parent to go through, can’t imagine!!!!

Q: If you could crawl into the pages of any book, what would it be and why?

A: Wuthering Heights or Hissy Fit they are both my favorites! Wuthering Heights because I think I would have loved to live in that time era. Hissy Fit because it takes place in Georgia and the main character is a designer and I would just love to see the house she helps remodel in person!

Q: Are you a country mouse or city mouse?

A: Either one, I adapt well.

Q: If you could have Denise design ANY item for Matilda Jane, what would that be and why?

A: Oh please, oh please Denise, design some bedding for Charlotte!

Q: Lastly, in the spirit of Heart~Soul~Pride, what in your opinion is the most important form of character?

Bryce, Charlotte and Baby Ben are so precious. My little girl, much like Baby Ben, gave me a run for my money (though her start to life was a rough one so I forgave her every bit of the way). I wasn’t sure I’d make it through, though! So glad you survived it! Now my daughter is just like Charlotte, except I’m the only one she’ll allow to take her out of the car seat. I’m going to be one upset mom when that changes since I was also the only one that she asked to hold her 23 hours a day for 2 years and the only one she would ALLOW to change her diapers for most of that time. She’s becoming so independent these days that it breaks my heart. And I also have an older son – sweet, loving, and cute as a button. Your description of your kids just reminded me of my own I had to comment on how precious they all are … and those curls are ADORABLE!!!

We have a 6 year old who is a rare tumor/Cancer survivor and actually spent some time at St. Jude Children’s Hospital so I appreciate you saying you would give to St. Jude. It really is an amazing place!

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I wish I had a great story, but I really don't. It is quite simple actually; one day a friend of mine said I should make clothing so I did.

I wish I could say I started because I could not find any cute clothes for my kids, but surely that is not a problem. I wish I could say I am a "designer", but I pretty much just consider myself a girl who can't stop her brain from spinning.

The one thing I do not have to wish for is a great family and group of friends. These guys are what makes Matilda Jane rock. They are loyal and well-loved. They are also very patient for putting up with me and the ventures I pursue, sometimes on a whim. Oh, I do love them all.